A Proper Guide to Analysing Argument VCE Unit 4- New Study Design

Analysing Argument is a topic that often polarises students. Many find themselves initially overwhelmed by the task at hand and the information overload. I often describe Analysing Argument as a ‘vortex’. There’s an endless depth to exploring the layers of an argument: the perspectives, claims, positions, tones, and techniques at play. The more you delve into it, the more you uncover. As I always tell my students we, ANALYSE NOT SUMMARISE.

So how where do we start? How do we approach this? What are the building blocks?

Building Blocks

1. What the author is saying. What is their contention and supporting arguments?
2. How the author is saying it. What persuasive language and tone is being used?
3. Why the author is saying it. What impact the author wants to have on their target audience?
   

Key Components of Argument Analysis

1. Identify All Elements
   • What is the author’s contention? Supporting arguments?
   • What is the overall purpose of the text? To inform, convince, persuade, comical etc.
   • Who is the target audience? Be specific? Could this topic be open to wider or smaller audience? How?
   • What tones are used? This changes so always list more than one.
   • How are the visuals used to support the argument?
   • Identify ethos, pathos and lagos.
   • Identify appeals & comparisons– they are always there.
2. Analysing Persuasive Language:
   • How does the author use language techniques to create an emotional response?
   • What tone is established and how does it change throughout? Why?
   • How does the author use evidence and reasoning to support their argument?
   • Is there a dichotomy? There needs to be enough information in the task to explore both sides. Examples: Progressive Vs Conservative, Traditionalism vs Modernity, Artificial vs Natural.
3. Examining Argumentative Structures:
   • What is the overall structure of the argument (problem-solution, cause-effect, )?
   • How does the author use counterarguments and rebuttals?
   • What is the conclusion and how does it reinforce the main argument?
   • Visuals– look for the argument/persuasive technique/tone in the visuals.
4. Analysing Audience, Purpose & Context:
   • How does the historical, social, or cultural context influence the argument?
   • What are the potential biases or perspectives of the author? Some include: age, gender, race, relationships and family situation, location – city vs. country, socio-economic status, interests – e.g gamers, sports fans.
   • Who are the stakeholders? How is this characterised?

The Do’s of Analysing Argument

• Practice Regularly: Analyse a variety of texts, from news articles, transcripts, speeches and advertisements. English needs time and focus on writing across all units of study. Carve time out for writing on a weekly basis.
• Focus on Evidence: Support your analysis with specific examples from the text.
• Inferential Reading: Don’t just try to comprehend, try to ‘read between the lines’. What is the implicit and explicit knowledge?
• Analytical Verbs: use it a lot and use a variety throughout your writing. Do not skimp on this.
• Seek Feedback: Ask your teacher or peers to review your analysis and provide constructive criticism. Immediately apply this feedback to your writing, this is creating a building block.

The Don’ts of Analysing Argument

• Only Identifying or Oversimplifying Argument: Arguments are often complex and nuanced- explore this. This task is structured around analysis.
• Focusing Solely on Language Devices: While language is important, it’s essential to consider the overall argument.
• Ignoring Context: The context in which an argument is presented significantly impacts its meaning.
• No Mention of Visuals: If an image is in the text and you do not analyse it.

Remember: Analysing argument is not just about identifying techniques; it’s about understanding how these techniques work together to persuade an audience. It is not enough to just identify arguments and techniques- you must analyse. All the best!

new study design unit 4 vce analysing argument

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